Full Statement from DA's office:
Originating in England, a dangerous game called “Urban Skittles” has
recently occurred in a local place of business in Wichita. The “game” is
played by an individual or group of youths that run into a random business
and yell for everyone to get down on the floor as if they are going to
perpetrate an armed robbery. The “players” then count the number of
individuals who “hit the deck”, hence the name, Urban Skittles.
Kansas law provides that individual participating in this conduct may be
charged with criminal offenses, up to and including felony charges.
Because this case in Wichita remains under investigation, we will not
discuss the specific facts of this matter and the individuals involved. This
message is meant as a warning to our community that individuals who
believe this to be harmless conduct are playing a dangerous game that
could lead to prosecution of the offenders, and could also precipitate injury
or death to the participants in circumstances where well-meaning citizens
use force in such circumstance that they believe constitute present danger
to themselves or others in the immediate area.
Urban Skittles could lead to a felony for Wichita teens-------------------
Original Story, May 15
Wichita police say charges could come against three teenagers who pranked customers and workers at the N. Rock Subway restaurant Monday morning.
Police tell us three students from Heights High School walked into the business a few minutes after eleven o'clock and told everyone to get on the floor.
Two of the teens are 15 years old, the third is 16.
Police say one of the 15-year-olds started counting the people, then left without taking anything. The other two left while he was counting.
"We don't believe they were trying to commit an actual robbery," Wichita police Lt. Doug Nolte says. "However, their actions very clearly mimicked that of a robbery."
Police say the teenagers are lucky no-one took action against them.
"Anyone that would have tried to confront them could have possibly created more jeopardy for everybody in that store, " Nolte says.
Police found the students at school and interviewed them. Officers did not arrest the teenagers but investigators will present the information to the District Attorney's office to determine if charges will be filed.
The Wichita School District says it has dealt with the students involved. But it won't tell Eyewitness News how, because of privacy issues. A spokeswoman says the district will get involved in outside issues when necessary. And this case called for it.
